Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)
An interim CoC is a document that allows you to start working in a role relating to the certificate you've applied for, while you wait for your full certificate of competency (CoC card) to arrive.
Once you have an interim CoC you can start your new duties immediately. You must always keep a copy of the interim CoC on you while working on a commercial vessel. This can be a printed copy or a photo on your phone.
How you obtain an interim CoC differs depending on whether you're applying for a low or high complexity certificate.
Note: We call certificates ‘high’ or ‘low’ complexity depending on how complex it is for us to assess the application.
We classify these certificates as 'low complexity':
Check with your RTO before applying for an interim CoC. The decision to issue an interim certificate of competency is at the discretion of the RTO.
You can apply for an interim CoC through your RTO after you have applied for the full CoC at the post office.
See application steps for each low complexity certificate:
Make sure you keep your application documents and your post office receipt.
Make a copy of the AMSA 426 form before giving it to Australia Post. You’ll need to give this form to your RTO in step 3.
Present these documents to the AMPA assessor at your RTO:
Note: You'll need to include a certificate of completion in your full CoC application. If you haven't received one yet, you can request a course completion letter from your RTO. Just remember to provide AMSA with your certificate of completion as soon as you have received it.
The AMPA assessor will fill in the interim CoC application form on your behalf, including:
Make sure you read all the information on the form and check your details are correct.
Note: An interim CoC is only valid for one certificate of competency. If you need more than one, for example, Master less than 24 metres and Marine engine driver grade 3, you will be issued with 2 separate interim CoC forms.
We classify these certificates as 'high complexity':
Only AMSA issues interim CoCs for high complexity certificates. They are not issued by RTOs.
AMSA will email you an interim CoC after you have completed all prerequisites for your certificate, including passing the oral exam.
You don’t need to apply for an interim CoC. We’ll email it to you once we’ve assessed and approved your application.
Note: Make sure you include your email address in your application. You will receive an interim CoC by email from AMSA once your application is approved.
If you’re working as a seafarer on a domestic commercial vessel in a role to which your certificate applies, you must carry a copy of your interim CoC with you. Bring it work and keep it on you until you receive your full certificate of competency (CoC card).
You must be able to show a marine safety inspector a valid interim CoC if asked.
Your interim CoC will expire:
AMSA knows when your CoC is nearing the 60-day expiry mark. You don't need to do anything. We will prioritise your application for assessment before your interim CoC expires.
Once we assess and approve your full CoC application, AMSA will email you a new (updated) interim CoC. This will allow you to continue operating until your full CoC card arrives in the post.
After receiving your full certificate of competency, you must carry the CoC card to work and keep it on you. You must be able to show a marine safety inspector a valid CoC card if asked.
You don't need the interim CoC anymore because it won't be valid.